It's a new era of Utah football as first-year head coach Morgan Scalley leads the Utes against Idaho at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday at 9 p.m. ET (ESPNU).
The Utes are a whopping 35.5-point favorite, and my Idaho vs. Utah prediction and college football picks back Devon Dampier and Co. to light up a Vandals defense that was horrendous in their FCS opener last week.
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Idaho vs Utah prediction: Utah -35.5
If last week was any indication, Idaho's defense could be a massive problem this season. The Vandals allowed 38 points and over 500 yards, plus gave up a last-second go-ahead touchdown to Cal Poly in its first game under a new head coach, Tim Skipper.
Like that Cal Poly team, Utah is making its debut under a new head coach (Morgan Scalley) with an undersized and electric QB, Devon Dampier. Dampier's the key to a cover, with last year's Big 12 Newcomer of the Year leading an offense that ranked Top 15 in both EPA per pass and EPA per rush in 2025.
Scalley's defense shouldn't have too many problems, either. The Utes are deep in their back seven and ranked seventh nationally in EPA per pass on defense last year.
Utah's in play for me up to -37.5.
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Idaho vs Utah Over/Under pick: Over 57.5
Although Utah lost offensive coordinator Jason Beck to Michigan when Kyle Whittingham took the job, Kevin McGiven is likely to deploy a similar attack. Dampier is one of the best dual-threat QBs in the country, as one of only three Power Four QBs to rush for 800+ yards last season.
Dampier also has running back Wayshawn Parker back, and Scalley brought in a potential star in receiver Braden Pegan (926 yards under McGiven at Utah State last year). That trio could drop 50+ on Idaho.
Last year, Dampier and Utah put 63 on Cal Poly in a 54-point win — one of nine games the Utes hit the Over in.
As long as Idaho can get to double digits, the Over should be in play, and I would take it at any number below 59.5.
COVERS INTEL: Utah was one of the most efficient offenses in 2025, ranking fifth nationally in available yards percentage (61.9%) and fourth in third/fourth down success (57.2%).
Idaho vs Utah same-game parlay (SGP)
Utah has had no shame about destroying smaller programs as of late. Since 2021, the Utes have beaten five non-FBS programs by an average margin of 43 points. In three of those games, they were favored by more than 35 points and covered in all three.
The average final total in those five games was 59.2, and Utah scored at least 49 points in all three contests in which it was favored by more than 35. With Dampier leading the offense, I'm projecting a similar outcome with a 52-10 win for Utah.
Idaho vs Utah SGP
- Utah -35.5
- Over 57.5
Idaho vs Utah odds
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Spread: Idaho +35.5 | Utah -35.5
- Over/Under: Over 57.5 (49%) | Under 57.5 (51%)
- Moneyline: Idaho 2% | Utah 98%
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Idaho vs Utah weather
The weather is expected to have no impact on the game in Salt Lake City on Thursday night.
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Idaho vs Utah trend to know
Utah is 4-0 ATS in its last four non-conference games. Find more college football betting trends for Idaho vs. Utah.
How to watch Idaho vs Utah
| Location | Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT |
| Date | Thursday, Sept 3, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 9 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPNU |
Idaho vs Utah latest injuries
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